Flint, Michigan – In a move city leaders say underscores Flint’s continuing investment in public safety, the Flint City Council has approved a new labor agreement with the Flint Patrol Officers Association, marking a significant step in strengthening support for the city’s police force.
The agreement, which had already received unanimous backing from members of the patrol officers’ union, was formally adopted by council members after negotiations between city officials and the association concluded with a tentative deal.
The contract introduces a series of wage adjustments aimed at improving recruitment and retention while recognizing the daily responsibilities carried by officers serving the community.
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Under the terms of the agreement, several key changes will reshape the department’s pay structure. One of the most notable provisions removes the lowest step in the department’s wage scale.
By eliminating that entry tier, new officers joining the Flint Police Department will begin their careers at a higher starting salary, a move designed to make the position more competitive as departments nationwide face staffing challenges.
In addition to the structural adjustment, the contract also includes a series of pay increases spread over multiple years. Officers will receive a seven percent salary increase for the current fiscal year, applied retroactively to July 1, 2025. That raise will be followed by additional six percent increases in both 2026 and 2027, providing a clear path for long-term compensation growth.
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Police Chief Terence Green expressed appreciation for the council’s support, noting that the agreement reflects a broader commitment to maintaining a strong public safety presence across Flint. He said the contract demonstrates the city’s dedication to the officers who work daily to protect residents and respond to emergencies throughout the community.
Within the patrol officers’ union, the contract also carried historic significance. Michael Forystek, vice president of the Flint Patrol Officers Association, said the agreement was ratified unanimously by union members, something he described as exceptionally rare.
Forystek noted that both his father and grandfather served as Flint police officers, and he could not recall another instance in which union members voted with complete unanimity on a contract.
Mayor Sheldon Neeley said the agreement reflects the city’s recognition of the risks officers take each day while serving the public.
“Our officers put their lives on the line for Flint every single day,” said Mayor Neeley. “This agreement honors their service, strengthens our ability to recruit and retain top talent, and reinforces our commitment to building a safer, stronger Flint for all.”
City officials say the agreement represents a collaborative effort between local government and the officers who patrol Flint’s neighborhoods, reinforcing a shared goal of building a safer and stronger community.